Stone and concrete

Brickworks generate mould rinsing water and cooling water from cutting operations. This closed water stream must be kept as clean as possible, with solids and colour removed.

Besides separating and absorbing fine particles, emulsions introduced by additives such as pigments often need to be broken so their contaminants can also be captured and flocculated.

Emulsion breakers and flocculants are therefore widely used. As these are often closed systems, sulphate free products with low chloride content may be selected.

Water circulates in a closed circuit because turnover is high and reuse is desirable. Chemicals can be dosed in line. Flocs can be separated using a decanter or settling tank.

The resulting sludge is generally further dewatered in filter big bags or a chamber filter press to minimise sludge volume.